Events at Southern Nazarene University provide students and faculty with opportunities for community, entertainment and connection. On Feb. 17, 2026, SNU’s SALT team hosted “Raise the Steaks,” an event featuring steak dinners prepared by cafeteria staff, bingo and prizes. Brooklynn Caldwell, a junior music production major, and Kiara Yahola, a sophomore marketing major, reflected on their experiences at the event.
“Raise the Steaks” allowed many students the opportunity to relax and enjoy time with others. When asked what she liked most about the event, Caldwell said, “I really enjoyed playing bingo with everyone since I have not played since I was little. The anticipation of almost getting a bingo multiple times made it exciting, and the quality of the prizes made it even more worth it.”
Yahola echoed Caldwell’s statement. She added, “The atmosphere at ‘Raise the Steaks’ was amazing. There were quite a few people there, and seeing everyone so invested in the event made it 10 times more fun.”
Although neither Caldwell nor Yahola won any prizes from the numerous rounds of bingo, they both mentioned how simply being present with other students and faculty within the SNU community made the night memorable.
For Yahola, sitting at a table with faculty and having a conversation is what shaped her night.
“I was sitting at a table with Dr. Newman — it was nice to talk to him in a way that I’ve never been able to,” she said.
Caldwell shared how joking with friends made the evening memorable.
“It was fun to eat, talk and almost get bingos with my friends. We shared excitement and joked around about being so close to winning. It made the night memorable,” she said.
Both Caldwell and Yahola shared how the event kept them on their toes.
“There was a round where I was one away from a bingo in three different spots. It made my adrenaline rush because there were some cool prizes that I wanted to win,” Yahola said.
Caldwell, on the other hand, was excited to run up to the stage to give Dr. Redwine a high-five.
“I was so close to winning a few times. I was actively preparing myself to yell ‘bingo,’ run up to the stage and give Dr. Redwine a high-five,” she said.
Events at SNU are not only about winning prizes — they are about laughter and conversation. “Raise the Steaks” gave students and faculty the opportunity to step away from their busy schedules and connect with the people they share life with on campus. With the added bonus of steak for dinner, those who attended experienced a night filled with anticipation and excitement.
Photo by MaK Wilkerson